AP World History: Topic 4.1 - Technological Innovations

Which of the following technologies was most significant in allowing European ships to sail against the wind?

• Astrolabe

• Lateen sail

• Magnetic compass

• Sternpost rudder

Which of the following technologies was originally developed in China and later adopted by Europeans for navigation?

• Caravel

• Cartography

• Magnetic compass

• Astrolabe

The astrolabe allowed sailors to determine their latitude while at sea.

• True

• False

What was the main purpose of the caravel ship design used by the Portuguese?

• To carry large cargoes across land

• To explore shallow river systems

• To conduct trade in the Indian Ocean

• To travel long ocean voyages efficiently and quickly

Which of the following best explains why technological innovation was crucial for European maritime expansion?

• A. Europe had superior military strength compared to Asia

• B. Technologies helped ships travel longer distances and navigate unfamiliar waters

• C. Europeans had better knowledge of world geography

• D. European ships were larger than those of other regions

How did Chinese maritime technology during the Ming Dynasty differ from European maritime efforts?

• China focused on conquest and colonization

• Chinese voyages used small, fast ships

• Chinese voyages were meant to display power and establish tribute relationships

• China relied heavily on Portuguese shipbuilders

The sternpost rudder was an Islamic innovation that helped improve ship maneuverability.

• True

• False

Which of the following best illustrates the effect of technological diffusion in this period?

• European countries all used identical ship designs

• Technologies like the astrolabe spread from the Islamic world to Europe

• European innovations remained confined to Europe

• Technological exchange only occurred through war

Which innovation most directly supported European interest in transoceanic trade?

• The printing press

• Gunpowder

• Navigational tools and shipbuilding advances

• Horse domestication

Which statement best reflects change over time from 1200 to 1750?

• Maritime technologies remained unchanged from Classical times

• Innovations in navigation allowed Europe to dominate global trade routes

• All major technological innovations originated in Europe

• The Islamic world rejected European innovations entirely